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Formula E's Spark-Renault SRT_01E electric racer makes its official public debut in Las Vegas
Sure, we've already heard about Formula E's car being tested and detailed as it progresses towards its inaugural season, we haven't yet had opportunity to get cozy-like. The fledgling race series chose Las Vegas and CES 2014 to give the public its first proper demo and peek at the car and we simply couldn't miss the chance. As a primer, if you've missed the other announcements, the SRT_01E is an all-electric car producing 200kW -- that's roughly 270 HP -- with the motor, gearbox and electrics designed by McLaren, batteries and management systems by Williams, tires by Michelin, monocoque chassis by Dallara and all integrated by Renault. So what do we think? Well, with the shopping list of F1 teams above how could it not be fantastic? Of course, the proof will be in the sport's uptake as it starts its maiden season next fall. In the interim, have a listen as the car does donuts in Lucas di Grassi's -- wearing a helmet with a very similar design to his Formula 1 days -- capable hands in a parking lot in beautiful Las Vegas.
Formula E details Spark-Renault's SRT_01E electric race car
If you plan to watch the inaugural Formula E season, you'll want to get used to the race car shown above -- you'll see a lot of it. That's the just-unveiled Spark-Renault SRT_01E, the official electric vehicle that all 10 Formula E teams will use next year. The car melds a Spark Racing Technology design with a McLaren-sourced, 270BHP equivalent motor based on that of the P1 supercar. Williams supplies the batteries, while Renault is responsible for tying all the systems together. As you'd imagine, this first-generation ride has its limitations; drivers will have to swap cars in the middle of an hour-long race, for example. Still, the FIA is quick to remind us that the SRT_01E won't last beyond the 2014 season. Formula E is an open championship meant to advance EV technology, and manufacturers are likely to produce faster or more efficient cars in the future.
